It happens more often than many religious groups realize. You purchase land for a mosque or other house of worship only to find out the local government is denying you the ability to use the land for religious assembly due to zoning issues. Now what?
ALLOW US TO BE YOUR GUIDE TO THE RELIGIOUS LAND USE ACT
The team at Dalton & Tomich can help you navigate the often complicated process of achieving zoning approval for your mosque or community center. And if necessary, we can also help if your case requires federal court litigation.
The professionals at Dalton & Tomich, PLC have successfully defended the rights of mosques and other houses of worship in complex religious land use and zoning cases throughout the United States. Our attorneys are well-versed in:
- First Amendment Free Exercise Clause
- Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment
- A federal law called the Religious Land Use & Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA)
Our experience with local administrative bodies and in federal court has led to victories that have enabled faith communities to pursue their noble missions by expanding existing buildings, acquiring new property, and completing new construction projects. Cases may involve the pursuit of remedies including monetary damages, attorney fees, and injunctive relief allowing you to secure the permits to open your doors.
Our thoughts on the importance of the Religious Land Use Act to houses of worship have been featured in Islamic Horizons magazine and major news outlets.
MOSQUE LAND USE AND ZONING LEGAL SERVICES
If you need help overcoming zoning barriers to your plans to construct, renovate, or expand your mosque, Dalton & Tomich, PLC is here to guide you. We work with religious leaders to overcome many challenges related to:
- Mosque construction approvals
- Mosque design requirements
- Mosque space requirements
Legal services available as we guide your mosque through the religious land use and zoning process may include:
- Working with the local planning commission and other administrative bodies to secure necessary approvals
- Assisting you through the local administrative process
- Supporting you in court through the use of expert witnesses as well as testimony from planning, zoning, traffic and other professionals
- Collecting the evidence needed to support your case
- Working with you to decide the best plan of action for preparing and finalizing pleadings
- Filing suit in the appropriate courts
- Seeking a Court ordered injunction (if necessary)
- Negotiating a settlement or proceeding to trial, depending on your needs and the best interests of your mosque
- Keeping you updated on the progress of your case throughout the process